The new Covad service, which will not tie up voice communication on the telephone line, will offer an always-on capability with download speeds of up to 200 kilobits per second and upload speeds of 64 kilobits per second, the company said.

Service will cost $21.95 for each of the first four months, and $39.95 for each month afterward. Faster speeds are available from Covad and other providers but at a higher price.